GARRY Richards has completed a move to Gillingham after being frustrated at a lack of first team opportunities with Southend United.

The 21-year-old defender joined Blues from Colchester during the summer.

But after making just 14 appearances the centre back has opted to move on again in a deal which has earned the Shrimpers around £70,000.

"Garry wanted to move on because he wasn't playing as much as he would like and we got offered a good deal in the end which was more than we paid for him," explained manager Steve Tilson.

"It was his decision and if another defender becomes available then we shall be looking to bring him in. But we can always loan someone even when the transfer window closes at the end of the week."

Richards made his Gills debut as a second half substitute during a 2-1 defeat at Walsall on Saturday.

And he is pleased to have become the fifth former Southend player to team up with another ex-Shrimper Mark Stimson, who is now manager at the Priestfield Stadium.

"I wasn't getting as much football as I wanted at Southend," explained the defender.

"This is a fresh challenge for me now and I cannot wait to get started. It's a good club and I'm looking to come here and go straight into the side."